In every room I enter, I carry an undeniable truth with me—I am a thermostat, not a thermometer. This isn’t just about the spaces I occupy; it’s about the energy I bring and the boundaries I maintain. Thermometers change based on the environment. They react, they fluctuate, and they display the temperatures set by external conditions. But not me. I am a thermostat. I set the temperature. This distinction is crucial because it symbolizes how I interact with the world around me. I don’t just respond to the energies; I define my own. Setting my own temperature means I establish my mood, attitude, and how I choose to respond to what life throws at me. It means that no matter the chaos, negativity, or stress that tries to invade my space, I remain steadfast. I decide how I feel and how I live. This approach has transformed how I navigate challenges and interact with others. Being a thermostat requires awareness and intentionality. It involves recognizing when external influences are trying to seep in and having the strength to not let them steer my emotions or decisions. It’s about being proactive, not reactive.

Here’s how you can embrace being a thermostat in your own life:

1. Recognize Your Power: Understand that you have the ability to control your reactions. You are in charge of your emotional climate.

2. Set Your Boundaries: Clearly define what is acceptable in your personal and professional life. Don’t allow external situations to breach these boundaries.

3. Maintain Your Temperature: Keep a check on your emotional and mental state. Adjust your settings whenever you find yourself reacting to others’ energies. Remember, being a thermostat isn’t about imposing your will on others; it’s about personal sovereignty and emotional autonomy. It’s a commitment to self-regulation and resilience. In embracing my role as a thermostat, I’ve found a profound sense of peace and empowerment. I encourage you to realize this power within yourself. Set your temperature, maintain it, and watch how it transforms the rooms you enter, literally and metaphorically.

Visit my podcast Don’t Shrink to Fit, to listen to more empowering messages.

You can always connect with me through my FB page and my Instagram @Claudia_Noriega_Bernstein

Thank you!